From the need for increased margins at retail to the pressures of tariffs, leaders from Cotopaxi, Salomon, Christy Sports, and more took us behind the scenes of the industry’s most pressing challenges and how they’re navigating them.
Tiffany Montgomery
Tiffany Montgomery's Latest Posts
Brixton Names Colleen O’Neill President
O’Neill comes most recently from Hybrid Apparel, which is now the owner of Brixton. Previous Brixton CEO Seth Ellison is retiring.
Volcom Co-Founder Richard Woolcott on Why He Invested in Florence
Woolcott’s Florence invesment is the first time he’s jumped back into the surf industry since he exited Volcom in 2016. He discusses why he wanted to back the company, what he thinks of the state of the surf industry, including the recent licensing changes, and why he’s optimistic about the future.
Photos from SIMA’s Waterman’s Ball
This year’s Waterman’s Ball honored professional surfer Caroline Marks as SIMA Waterperson of the Year, legendary surfer and motivational speaker Shaun Tomson with the SIMA Lifetime Achievement Award, and Surfrider Foundation as SIMA Environmentalist of the Year, and raises money for ocean-related environmental charities.
SIMA Opens Auction for Tavarua Resort Surf Trip to Public to Expand Waterman’s Ball Reach
The Tavarua trip has been auctioned at the Waterman’s Ball for decades, and typically sells for $10,000 to $12,000. By opening it up to more people, SIMA is hoping to raise even more money to fund environmental causes this year.
North America Drives Strong Q1 Results for Zumiez
Zumiez, with 731 stores, is predicting top-line growth for the full year despite tariffs and planned door closures.
North Face Latest Company Hit by Cyber Attacks; Adidas, Victoria’s Secret, Struck in May
“The recent security incident at Victoria’s Secret, following a string of attacks on other retailers, suggests a potentially coordinated campaign targeting the retail sector,” said Javvad Malik, lead security awareness advocate at cybersecurity consultancy and training firm KnowBe4.
Hurley x Travis Barker Event Draws Big Crowds to Tilly’s
Tilly’s is giving the collection prime real estate in stores and online, and Vice President of Marketing Bobby Gascon said events like the Travis Barker appearance help generate excitement and drive traffic.
Boardriders Japan Adds Volcom and Spyder to Portfolio
The company now operates eight of Authentic’s action sports and outdoor brands across the region.
Young Leaders to Watch in Surf, Outdoor, and Active Lifestyle
SESO’s curated list of 13 young leaders to watch in 2025 includes digital marketing mavens, talented creative directors, founders and CEOs, and retail general managers who demonstrate that the next generation of leaders is bright, innovative, and knows how to hustle.
Helly Hansen Sale to Kontoor Brands Closes
Kontoor, which has deep relationships with high volume retailers through its Wrangler and Lee brands, sees a big opportunity for Helly Hansen to grow in the U.S.
Key Skate and Snow Retailer Tactics Acquired by New Lakai Owner
The new owners of skate shoe brand Lakai are moving into retail by buying Tactics, a major online skate and snow player that also has five brick-and-mortar stores. Lakai and Tactics will be operated separately with distinct leadership teams.
